A prayer of hope Joel 2:23-32 O God, the earth shakes and the heavens split open. Everywhere we look we see blood and fire and columns of smoke. Our legs are like rubber, our hearts melt with fear. What has this world come to? And yet, we rejoice. We rejoice because our sons and daughters... Continue Reading →
The Greater Northwest Area of the United Methodist Church is currently celebrating a "Crossover Year" in preparation of and response to General Conference 2019. As a part of that Crossover Year, churches and fellowship groups throughout the three conferences are joining in learning circles, reading Brian McClaren's We Make the Road by Walking: A Year-Long Quest for Spiritual Formation, Reorientation, and Activation. I have decided to join some of... Continue Reading →
Vessels.Filled to the brim.Cleansing for the unclean.Hope for the hopeless.All who come will be welcomedwith a just a splash.Wash away the hurt.Wash away the sin.Wash away the shame.Leave the vessels where they stand.Empty.Discarded.Used.Dry.Laughter fades.Singing turns to silence.Whispers reveal the emptinessof joy,of hope,of celebration.What good is itwhen it's all been used up?What is leftafter it's all... Continue Reading →
Call To Worship: L: In the beginning, God's Spirit swept over the waters and spoke into existence all that is. P: Move over the deep voids of our hearts, O God, and speak life into us. L: Through the terrifying waters of the Red Sea, Moses lead your people. P: Our hearts tremble in the presence of your might, O God, but we will follow. L: From the water of the womb you brought forth your Son for the Salvation of the world. P: We stand in awe of your mystery, O God, and praise you for your mercy and unfailing love. L: Over the... Continue Reading →
Lord, my heart is like grains of sand on the beach; once great boulders beaten to dust by the constant ebb and flow of the waves. But I know that whether in times of tumultuous change, or times of serene calm, that You are with me. That alone gives me hope. Be with me whether... Continue Reading →
I raise my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. God won’t let your foot slip. Your protector won’t fall asleep on the job. No! Israel’s protector never sleeps or rests! The Lord is your protector; the Lord is your shade right beside you. The... Continue Reading →
I lift up my voice and my soul for the caretakers-- The ones who give selflessly of themselves, Who are always thinking of others And considering themselves after all others Have been comforted. For those who lovingly cool the head Of feverish children. For those who coax and persuade and beg That medication be taken... Continue Reading →
"To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you." ~C.S. Lewis Lord, you have forgiven so much in me. I am foolish and hardheaded, stubborn at times, and too unsteady at others. I know what is right and yet, on too many occasions I've chosen convenience rather... Continue Reading →
"Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn."~John Wesley Thanks to John Wesley, one of my frequent prayers is simply: Dear Lord, let me burn... I'm sure that if someone could hear when I utter those five little words, they'd think I was nuts. They would probably think... Continue Reading →
Today I sat in a physical therapy room at a nursing home and watched as an elderly member of one of my congregations went through the tedious task of learning to walk again after suffering broken hip in a nasty fall a few months ago. I cheered her on, right along side the physical therapy... Continue Reading →
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